SENATE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE MEETS WATER, SANITATION AND IRRIGATION CS OVER IRRIGATION EXPANSION AND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY
By News DeskΒ
The Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries has held a high-level meeting with the Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation to review the progress of irrigation development across the country and its role in boosting agricultural productivity.
The meeting, held during the Committeeβs ongoing retreat in Mombasa County, was chaired by Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli and focused on the status of irrigation infrastructure, expansion plans, and support programmes aimed at strengthening irrigation for the current planting season.
Discussions also centered on smallholder irrigation initiatives and the framework for collaboration between the National Government and County Governments in developing sustainable irrigation systems across the country.
During the briefing, the Cabinet Secretary informed the Committee that Kenya currently has approximately 762,767 acres under irrigation, against the Medium Term Plan IV (MTP IV) target of expanding irrigated land to about 1.29 million acres by the 2027/2028 financial year.
Members of the Committee emphasized the need for stronger oversight and called on the Ministry to provide county-specific data on irrigation investments and infrastructure to enable Senators to track progress and ensure equitable distribution of irrigation projects nationwide.
The Senators further stressed that agriculture remains a devolved function and that effective irrigation development will require a strong partnership between the National and County Governments. They noted that county governments play a crucial role in mobilizing farmers, supporting agricultural value chains and ensuring the proper utilization of irrigation infrastructure.
The Committee also raised concern over the persistent funding gaps that have slowed down the implementation and completion of irrigation projects across the country.
However, Members noted that the recently enacted National Infrastructure Fund presents a new opportunity to mobilize resources for large-scale infrastructure projects, including irrigation development. They urged the Ministry to develop a clear framework to ensure the Fund supports irrigation expansion and delivers tangible benefits to counties and farmers.
The Senate Committee reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening parliamentary oversight and supporting policies that promote irrigation development, enhance agricultural productivity and advance Kenyaβs food security goals under the Medium Term Plan IV (MTP IV) and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
The meeting forms part of the Committeeβs broader oversight efforts aimed at ensuring irrigation becomes a key driver of agricultural growth and sustainable food production in the country.
